Camping near Punta Gorda, Florida centers around water-based activities with access to both freshwater and saltwater environments. The area experiences mild winters with daytime temperatures averaging 70-75°F, while summer brings high humidity and daily temperatures frequently exceeding 90°F. Most campsites in the region are at sea level with flat terrain, making them accessible for all experience levels.
What to do
Fossil hunting on the Peace River: Search for prehistoric shark teeth and fossils at Peace River Campground, where the riverbanks yield numerous discoveries. One camper explains, "This park seems to flood and have limited sewer sites but is a great place to find Shark teeth and other fossils. I once had to abandon my Tilapia as the alligator appeared to want it more than me!"
Island exploration by bicycle: Rent bikes at Cayo Costa State Park Campground to discover secluded areas. A visitor notes, "The island also rents bicycles and I highly recommend doing so. There is a series of trails that run through the wooded sections of the island to explore. There are some truly great views to take in as well as an island cemetery which provides some historical contest to what Cayo Costa was used for."
Wildlife viewing at state parks: Observe native Florida species in their natural habitat. A camper at Myakka River State Park shares, "We arrived at the gate! After hearing of the wilderness preserve we decided to go ahead and get the permit. You drive about a mile down the road from the main state park entrance to find the wilderness preserve entrance which is code protected. After driving back to the parking area, we realized we had the 600 acres to ourselves. We then hiked to the deep hole. There we saw tons of alligators birds and wildlife!"
What campers like
Dark skies for stargazing: The limited light pollution at island camping locations creates exceptional night sky viewing. A camper describes, "Camping on the island is wonderful. You have miles of beach with very few people and the nighttime skies are truly cosmic."
Waterfront camping options: Numerous campgrounds offer direct water access. At Myakka River Motorcoach Resort, a reviewer appreciated "the privacy" and noted it has "100 sites on the Myakka River with Amazon sunsets. Sites are typically 70' x 50'. Large roads easy access."
Clean facilities at newer resorts: Modern campgrounds in the area maintain high standards. At Creekside RV Resort, a camper praised, "Clean, spacious sites. Very nice bathhouses with large, walk in showers. The clubhouse was closed due to COVID but the pool and hot tub were open and very nice. Good space between sites. All sites with beautiful pavers, some even have casitas."
What you should know
Island access logistics: Plan carefully for boat-accessible campgrounds. A frequent Cayo Costa visitor advises, "Access to the island is by ferry (Tropic Star of Pine Island) although it is possible to kayak to it from Pine Island. This would involve some open water crossing and about a 7 mile total one way trip. Another way to access via kayak would be from the southern end of Boca Grande but this passing is across a deep channel with strong current."
Wildlife precautions: Alligators are common in the region's waterways. A camper at Palmetto Ridge Campground warned, "Went to drain the tanks yesterday morning and a large sounding gator started to growl territorially at me. So heads up with your pets please."
Insects require preparation: No-see-ums and mosquitoes can be problematic, especially at dusk. A Cayo Costa camper recommends, "WHATEVER YOU DO BRING BUG PROTECTION! I brought sawyers bug lotion and 2 thermacell bug repellents and in 24 hours got 2 bug bites!"
Tips for camping with families
Primitive vs. amenity sites: Select camping areas based on your family's comfort needs. At Peace River, one camper explains the difference: "ThisThis is a great Campground just outside of Arcadia Florida. It has ATV trails and fossilized shark tooth hunting. it has a Wilderness Area as well as developed the campground area. There is laundry facilities, showers, a pool, canoeing and kayaking, ATV riding trails."
Off-peak scheduling: Consider winter months for milder temperatures. A visitor to Sun-N-Shade RV Resort shared, "We had a relaxing couple weeks. Easy in and out, nice relaxing pool, clean bathrooms *good water pressure, nice laundry, and super friendly folks."
Entertainment options: Many campgrounds offer organized activities. At Peace River, a visitor noted, "They have fun entertainment; bands, ice cream social, bingo, a food truck."
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: Choose locations based on noise levels and sun exposure. One RVer at Encore Riverside warned, "Very clean and well kept campground. We are new to camping so this stay was for the experience. The site we were assigned was in a new section next to a heavily traffic road and a good hike to any of the facilities. The site had no shade whatsoever. It was hot and noisy."
Internet connectivity: Cell service varies by location and provider. An RVer at Encore Riverside mentioned, "Really nice friendly people, lots of activities, clean quiet and nice place to stay. I have zero complaints except for the wifi. I had a lot if issues connecting w/ caused work issues.. get a hot spot or plan to pop down to starbucks for internet."
Parking logistics: Resort-style campgrounds offer easier navigation. A visitor to Creekside RV Resort noted, "This resort is absolutely beautiful. Lots of grass and trees all around. Big sites with plenty of room between other campers. Wide, paver parking with full hook ups."
